Induction is magnetic heat, and is the best type of cooking available. It is faster than professional gas, simmers instantly, emits almost no heat for far less venting and is virtually child proof.

Over the last few years, the price for an induction range has decreased considerably from $6,000 to $1,600 and has completely dominated the upscale electric range market. We update this post by reviewing induction ranges every month for rebates and price adjustments.

Updated April 2013

Added Features:

Oven vs Warming Drawer vs Storage Drawer: Electrolux will offer a second oven below the oven. Most models will feature a warming drawer, which can warm and reheat, but not cook. The more basic units have the storage drawers

Convection: Fan-forced heat for more even heat throughout the oven cavity for better baking.

Hybrid (2 burners) vs All Induction: This was more of a decision before Whirlpool introduced a cheaper all induction range.

Repair Rates: Whirlpool/Maytag is 8.8% service within the first year. Frigidaire is better at 10.1 (more products sold and more variety of products). GE is 13.1%. Electrolux and Viking are weighed down by their refrigeration and are at 18.1% and 27.5%.

The difference between a slide-in and freestanding range is the position of the controls. Slide-in ranges, with the controls on the front, are nicer looking because you can see the backsplash. Freestanding ranges are more common and are typically less expensive.

Frigidaire is a hybrid induction range which means 2 burners are induction and 2 burners are regular electric. The range also has a bridge element to connect two burners for odd shaped dishes as well as a warming drawer and convection. Their all induction unit is $1839.99

Samsung NE597NOPBSR: $1999

This range is brand new(April 2013) and has some pretty cool features. It has a large griddle induction burner on the left side for a multitude of different pans as well as convection and a warming drawer

You buy Electrolux for the modern appearance, the two oven configuration and intuitive controls. Electrolux has the most automatic control settings like "Perfect Turkey", dehydrate and convection conversion, which converts regular recipes into convection with one button.

The KitchenAid(Whirlpool) range has changed the industry with a cheaper all induction range with convection as well as a warming drawer. It is less expensive than the Frigidaire with all burners being induction.

Viking actually was the first induction range on the market. Without a warming or second oven capability or even bridge elements, you pay dearly for the commercial look and Viking name. Still it is a nice looking range.

How to choose:

I like Frigidaire for quality reasons (try saying that 20 years ago), but KitchenAid is more powerful at a more competitive price. I love the Samsung, but worry about reliability and repairability. For slide-ins, Electrolux has a great oven with every type of controls imaginable.

For more information, download the Yale Induction Cooking Buying Guide with power ratings of every induction product on the market today (this is awesome and is the only guide I did not write, another Yale staffer did).

About The Author

My goal has always been simple: I want Yale to be the best retail experience anywhere. I have tried to create a compelling environment for customers and employees alike

Share This Article

Laura

The other advantage of the Viking, that none of the others have, is knobs. I much prefer knobs to digital buttons. Furthermore, it has the knobs in front, so you don't have to reach over boiling pots to turn things on or off. When you have all the burners going at once, as I often do, this is an important safety feature. I'm saving for a Viking, and if somebody else comes out with these features before I have enough for it, I'll jump on it!

Robert

If 8.8% of Whirlpools and Maytags require service in the first year, how is Frigidaire better at 10.1%? Robert

Repair Rates: Whirlpool/Maytag is 8.8% service within the first year. Frigidaire is better at 10.1 (more products sold and more variety of products). GE is 13.1%. Electrolux and Viking are weighed down by their refrigeration and are at 18.1% and 27.5%.

Huh?

I'm with Robert. Your repair rates percentages are perplexing and not helpful. So just leave out the numbers and tell us which has a better repair rate?

Steve Sheinkopf

We sell mostly laundry in Whirlpool, so there is not enough data in other categories

We will be posting repair percentages by category on the next month

Huh?

Thank you for your promptness Steve. Your report next month will certainly fit the bill. Again, thank you for your work there.